Clear Uruguayan river in araucaria grassland with an angler casting for dorado

Uruguay

Tacuarembó & Río Negro Watersheds, Uruguay

Overview

About This Destination

Uruguay is South America's best-kept fly fishing secret. Its interior river systems — the Tacuarembó, Cuareim, and tributaries of the Río Negro — hold golden dorado and several native species in clear, fishable water within a landscape of rolling grassland, araucaria forest, and cattle estancias. Unlike the remote jungles of Brazil or Bolivia, Uruguay's fishing is accessible, the accommodation excellent, and the wine list outstanding. It is an entry point to South American fly fishing for those not yet ready for a full expedition.

Rolling Uruguayan highland grassland, araucaria pine forest, clear rivers over volcanic basalt and gravel, cattle estancias, and the wide Atlantic sky of the Río de la Plata region.

What to Expect

  • Golden dorado in accessible, beautiful river settings
  • Exceptional Uruguayan hospitality and cuisine at estancia lodges
  • World-class South American beef and wine to end the fishing day
  • An introduction to exotic species fishing without extreme remoteness
  • Uncrowded rivers in a politically stable, welcoming country

Destination Details

Target Species
  • Golden Dorado
  • Pejerrey
  • Tararira (Wolf Fish)
Season
October – April
Skill Level
Intermediate
Travel Notes
Fly into Montevideo (MVD). The interior fishing regions are a 3–5 hour drive from the capital through exceptional pastoral scenery. Uruguay requires no visa for most Western travelers. Spanish language useful but not essential.

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